The Office of Behavioral and Social Sciences Research (OBSSR) at the National Institutes of Health was founded almost six years ago by Congress to stimulate the growth of behavioral and social sciences research at the NIH. From its inception, OBSSR has taken a leadership role in promoting the application of the behavioral and social science in addressing health disparities. In 1999, the OBSSR commissioned the National Academy of Sciences(NAS) to identify priority areas for behavioral and social sciences research at NIH, and the report was completed in late 2000. In addition, in June, 2000, OBSSR sponsored a meeting at NIH of leading researchers in the behavioral and social sciences to develop a research agenda for advancing research specifically addressing the role of social and cultural factors in health. Both of these efforts identified data needs for research that will further our understanding of the causes and possible remedies for health disparities. This presentation will review the reports from the NAS and the OBSSR planning conference and their relevance for data addressing health disparities.
Learning Objectives: a. To identify important areas for new data in the behavioral and social sciences addressing health disparities
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: None
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.